Former king should be held responsible for Friday’s incidents, say NC, UML leaders

KATHMANDU: Leaders of the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML have said that former King Gyanendra Shah must take moral responsibility for the incidents during the pro-monarchy demonstrations in Kathmandu on Friday.

Talking to reporters on the federal parliament premises on Sunday, NC General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma said that the former Shah was at fault for Friday’s incidents and must bear full responsibility. He argued that the former king had been given rights exceeding those of ordinary citizens under the constitution but failed to honor them. “The investigation must proceed based on who instigated these events,” Sharma said.

Similarly, UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula said that since former King Gyanendra was primarily responsible for Friday’s events, legal action must follow accordingly. “All facilities provided to the ex-king must be withdrawn,” he said.

Bartaula also accused the CNP (Maoist Center) of hypocrisy, arguing that the party was supporting republicanism outside parliament while obstructing proceedings inside. “Serious national issues must be debated in parliament to build consensus on holding the former king accountable, but the Maoist Center is creating obstacles,” he added.